Rat P2X7/P2RX7 (NP_062129) VersaClone cDNA

P2RX7 belongs to the family of purinoceptors for ATP. It functions as a ligand-gated ion channel and is responsible for ATP-dependent lysis of macrophages through the formation of membrane pores permeable to large molecules. P2RX7 antagonists have emerged as novel therapeutics for the treatment of acute inflammation, pain and fever, with wider anti-inflammatory activity than currently used cyclooxygenase inhibitors.